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Van Gilder Hotel

Property class: 2.5

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Photo gallery for Van Gilder Hotel

A bar area with a wooden counter, hanging lamps, and two stools.
A building with the name "Van Gilder Hotel" above the entrance.
Unclassified image, 3 of 33, button
A hotel room with a bed, a mirror, a sink, and a trash bin.
A grand lobby with ornate chandeliers and a large screen.

Reviews

6.2 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
308 Adams Street, Seward, AK, 99664
  • Place, Alaska SeaLife Center
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Seward Waterfront Park
    ‪4 min walk‬

Room options

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms

A bedroom with a bed, a nightstand, a lamp, a window with curtains, a chandelier, and a framed picture on the wall.

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed

A bedroom with a bed, a nightstand, a radiator, a window with curtains, a bedside lamp, and a mirror on the wall.

Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for 1 Queen - Shared Bath

A bathroom with a white sink, gold faucets, and a large mirror with an ornate frame. There are wall-mounted lights above the mirror and a towel rack to the right.

1 Queen - Shared Bath

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for One Queen & 1 Twin

A bedroom with a bed, a desk, and a dresser.

One Queen & 1 Twin

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for 2 Full Beds

A vintage black rotary dial telephone on a marble surface.

2 Full Beds

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Annex 1 Queen Bed

A bedroom with a bed, a nightstand, a lamp, and curtains.

Annex 1 Queen Bed

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Apartment Annex

A bedroom with a bed, a desk, and a dresser.

Apartment Annex

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Classic Double Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Seward

Van Gilder Hotel places you next to Chugach Heritage Center and Seward Community Library & Museum. This 20-room hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and concierge services.

What's nearby

  • Seward Community Library & Museum - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Alaska SeaLife Center - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Seward Waterfront Park - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Seward Boat Harbor - 1 min drive - 1.0 mile

Getting around

  • Kenai, AK (ENA-Kenai Municipal) - 139 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tidewater Taphouse - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Woody's Thai Kitchen - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Ray's Waterfront - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪The Breeze Inn Restaurant - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Firebrand BBQ - ‬16 min walk

About this property

Van Gilder Hotel

Guests of Van Gilder Hotel enjoy access to free WiFi in public areas, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. There's free parking and a free area shuttle. Front-desk staff can assist with concierge services and luggage storage. Other amenities at this historic hotel include a library and express check-out.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Free toiletries are also included. Change of towels is available on request.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free area shuttle up to 25 yds
  • Free bus station shuttle
  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Library
  • Shopping mall

Family friendly

  • Free area shuttle

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • In the mountains

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 3 floors
  • Built in 1916
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shower
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

More

  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM

Late check-in subject to availability

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours

To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation

If you are planning to arrive after 7:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between September 10 and May 14.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking out is easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Van Gilder

Van Gilder Hotel

Van Gilder Hotel Seward

Van Gilder Seward

Van Gilder Hotel Hotel

Van Gilder Hotel Seward

Van Gilder Hotel Hotel Seward

Frequently asked questions

What can I see near Van Gilder Hotel?

This hotel is located in Seward, just steps from Chugach Heritage Center and Seward Community Library & Museum, and within a short walk of Seward Waterfront Park. You'll also find Seward Boat Harbor and Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at Van Gilder Hotel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Does Van Gilder Hotel have a casino?

No, Van Gilder Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Van Gilder Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Van Gilder Hotel?

At this historic hotel, couples will appreciate amenities like an art gallery and concierge services plus some guestrooms include a kitchen.

Are there hot tubs at Van Gilder Hotel?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Van Gilder Hotel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Van Gilder Hotel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Van Gilder Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Van Gilder Hotel though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at Van Gilder Hotel?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Van Gilder Hotel?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at Van Gilder Hotel.

Van Gilder Hotel Reviews

Reviews

6.2
Rating 10 - Excellent. 120 out of 597 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 139 out of 597 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 126 out of 597 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 97 out of 597 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 115 out of 597 reviews

6.6/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

5.6/10

Amenities

5.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Lesley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Convenient to downtown. Could use some sprucing up. Nice staff!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Served its purpose of a place to sleep. Walking distance to shops and restaurants. I liked the antique vibe although it may not be for everyone. Everything was clean and the beds were comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Pankaj

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I would not recommend to stay in this hotel. This is a century old hotel with all old furniture and tiny bathroom. Old style heater sitting just next to your bed. Look for something else. We stayed 2 nights
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Claude

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love the old style hotel, staff was very nice
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Susan

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location was great
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved the historical memorabilia and stories as well as the friendly atmosphere.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Wonderful and professional staff made our stay easy and enjoyable. Great location.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Alejandro

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was one of the worst hotel experiences I have ever had. From the moment we arrived, the building looked neglected, with peeling paint and broken windows. The entire property is in very poor condition. The smell of mold is overwhelming throughout the hotel and inside the room. The bathroom is extremely old, the paint is peeling off the walls, and everything feels poorly maintained. The unpleasant odor made it very difficult to stay comfortably. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone. Please do yourself a favor and choose a different place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Coffee area was lovely
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful property
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location in downtown - cool historic hotel :)
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic location and very friendly/helpful staff. Perfect place to stay while exploring Seward.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Nikhil

Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Ok for a haunted hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness
Very professional, friendly staff
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Chester

Liked: Cleanliness
Old hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice, old historical hotel, well maintained, antique settings in rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Jasmine

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Bathroom was clean. If you just need a place to stay, this place gets the job done. Staff was friendly. Needs some updates, but I was safe and slept peacefully.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The decor at the location was amazing. Feels like you're in the early 20th century.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Carol

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The history was interesting.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

David

Van Gilder Hotel

The place is a little run down but our stay was fine. Love the architecture, quiet and in the center of town an easy walk to everything. If you want a 5 star hotel this isnt for you but my wife and I liked it a lot. If we ever come back to Seward will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Valerie

Disliked: Amenities
Very convenient location. Historic hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Holly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

perfect location, old historic building

We had a good stay. The Van Gilder is a historic hotel with some age and issues, but was clean and relatively comfortable. The location was definitely the reason to stay here! It is within walking distance of everything in Seward, with amazing views of the water and downtown.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Wei

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A unique hotel and have a sense of history.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful old building. Pictures around building talking about its history. Great location. Friendly staff. And hot chocolate in the lobby, not just coffee!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025